Toothaches
If you’re dealing with a toothache, start by rinsing your mouth gently with warm water and carefully floss to remove trapped food. For swelling, apply a cold compress to the cheek or outside of your mouth. Avoid placing aspirin or any painkiller directly on your gums near the affected tooth, as this can irritate the tissue.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Collect any tooth fragments and rinse them along with your mouth using warm water. If bleeding occurs, hold a piece of gauze on the area for about 10 minutes until it stops. Then, apply a cold compress externally to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
Lost Filling
Before your visit, place a piece of sugarless gum in the cavity or use a temporary dental cement available over the counter. Avoid gum with sugar, as it can worsen pain.
Lost Crown
If you cannot get to DDS Group immediately and your tooth hurts, apply a small amount of clove oil with a cotton swab to the sensitive area. You may be able to reposition the crown by first coating it with dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive to help it stay in place temporarily.
Dislodged (Luxated) Teeth
Luxated teeth are pushed sideways out of or into their socket. We can reposition and stabilize these teeth, but a root canal is often needed for permanent teeth, typically within days of injury. For kids with baby teeth affected, we closely monitor healing and intervene if needed.Before coming in, apply a cold compress to relieve pain and consider over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
In case of a tooth knocked completely out, time is critical. Handle the tooth carefully, avoiding contact with the root. Rinse gently with water—no soap or scrubbing. If possible, reinsert the tooth into its socket immediately for the best chance of saving it. If reinsertion isn’t possible, place it in milk and get to DDS Group or the nearest emergency room promptly.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips may bleed. To control bleeding:
- Rinse with mild saltwater.
- Apply pressure with moistened gauze or a tea bag for 15-20 minutes.
- Use a cold compress outside the mouth for 5-10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
- If bleeding persists, contact DDS Group or visit the nearest emergency room, continuing pressure until care is received.
Abscess
An abscess is a serious infection around the tooth root or gums that can spread if untreated. It often appears as a swollen, painful bump. Rinse your mouth several times daily with warm saltwater to ease discomfort and draw out pus. Prompt treatment at DDS Group is essential to prevent complications.
Post-Extraction Bleeding and Discomfort
Some bleeding and soreness after tooth extraction are normal. But if bleeding continues beyond an hour, please call DDS Group. To soothe the site, bite gently on a gauze pad to apply pressure.
Signs and Symptoms
Be alert for unusual signs such as bleeding, pain, sensitivity, discoloration, sores, or lumps. Many patients tell us these early symptoms help them get timely care. Contact DDS Group immediately if you notice anything abnormal to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
